Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson released a Capitol News Update on May 15 outlining several key issues as the spring legislative session nears its scheduled adjournment on May 31. The update addresses state budget concerns, electricity price forecasts, community recognitions, and recent House actions.
Swanson said that the state’s spending has been increasing rapidly in recent years and warned that new revenue forecasts show less money will be available for the upcoming fiscal year. He explained that this situation may require policymakers to cut spending or consider further tax increases. “The state budget was around $40 billion in 2019; it is now over $55 billion,” he said.
In his update, Swanson also reported that Ameren Illinois customers could face another spike in electricity costs this summer following results from a recent capacity auction by MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator). While rates are expected to be slightly lower than last year’s peak of 12.2 cents per kilowatt hour at 11 cents per kilowatt hour this summer, they remain more than double what customers paid five years ago. Swanson noted ongoing concerns about plant shutdowns tied to Illinois’ climate agenda and highlighted House Republican proposals to delay these closures until new clean energy sources are ready.
Swanson announced that the House recently adopted a resolution naming part of U.S. Route 150 through Galesburg as the SFC Kyle Wehrly Memorial Highway in honor of Sergeant First Class Wehrly’s service and sacrifice in Iraq. “Presenting this resolution was personal for me, because SFC Wehrly served in my unit when I was battalion commander,” Swanson said.
He also recognized Lia Barraza Sloan of Galesburg for serving as a Page for a Day at the Illinois House of Representatives and highlighted her leadership activities within her community.
Swanson concluded his update by commending Sandburg College students and leaders for their volunteer efforts and leadership development initiatives which generated significant economic impact locally. Student clubs at Sandburg College had a participation rate of 76% from August 2024 to March 2026 with over four thousand verified volunteer hours completed according to the American Financial Services Association.
Swanson, a Republican, was elected to represent Illinois’ 71st District in the State House beginning in 2023 after replacing Donald L. Moffitt according to the American Financial Services Association.
